Los Feliz custom drapery salon having tough time snagging new clients
It started with a dramatic set of black chiffon drapes.
Jillian Johann sewed them years ago for a sister’s friend. Threaded onto black iron rods, the eye-catching curtains brought other orders.
Johann sewed. Sister Stacey Finch installed. A third sister, Amanda Luellwitz, stitched baby blankets for those looking to buy a unique gift.
Their sidelines became full time six years ago when the trio opened Gypsy’s Palace, a custom drapery salon in Los Feliz.
“Word just started spreading and it got bigger and bigger and bigger and bigger, and now we want it to get real big,” Johann says.
Sales are projected to zip up to $360,000 this year compared with $230,000 in 2008 as more interior designers bring steady work to the shop. They’ve also attracted celebrity clients, film directors and other creative professionals who call Los Feliz home. But they want annual sales to surpass $500,000.
“The jobs we are doing right now are fantastic,” Johann says, “and if we could multiply what we are doing by five, we would be just thrilled because we know we are capable and prepared for more.”
